Community Involvement

Helmets to Hardhats

The Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario is a proud partner of the Helmets to Hardhats initiative. The program offers apprenticeship training for anyone who has served (or who is currently serving and transitioning) from the Regular or Reserve Force of the Canadian Forces and wishes to begin a civilian career. Check out the photos of Canadian veterans learning the tools of the trade here.

Renos for Heroes

The Renos for Heroes Foundation gives back to Canadian war veterans who have lost limbs and have limited mobility in their homes. Carpenters work on projects big and small for soldiers’ homes. Whether it is by building a deck, ramp, or taking on an extensive renovation, carpenters make the necessary changes happen to ensure veterans’ homes are fully accessible to them. See some of the renovations here.

Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity

The Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation was created to provide assistance to families who have seriously ill children. Carpenters use their skills and time towards this worthy cause by working on “last-wish” community events for terminally ill children.

Jane and Finch Revitalization

Carpenters worked along with local residents to retrofit, improve and beautify the community. Community members planted trees and flowers and took part in important projects. See the pictures here.

Hurricane Katrina

Carpenters went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to build decks for residents. It was a welcome sight to see Carpenters from Canada coming to their aid after the trauma they experienced.

Haiti Earthquake

After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Carpenters travelled there to rebuild strong and economic-friendly homes for the Haitian people. The journey turned into a life-changing adventure for four members from Ontario’s carpenters’ union. Mike Yorke, Carlos Pimentel, Ucal Powell and Carmelo Castiglione travelled to Leogane, Haiti to work on houses for Habitat for Humanity with the Jimmy Carter Foundation. The initiative was in collaboration with Architecture for Humanity.

The crew built 144 sq.ft. houses made of wood, stucco and corrugated tin roofs during their one week stay in November. See their amazing work here!

The Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario (“CDC”) is composed of 16 affiliated Local Unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners across the province. In total, we represent over 20,000 women and men working in a wide range of skilled trades, including carpentry, drywall, resilient flooring, concrete formwork, underwater construction, welding, scaffolding, and a long list of other construction-related work.